After we finally set up an at-home theater, I realized that we needed to figure out a great way to provide seating to our guests. I didn't like the idea of simply installing a few sofas in the space, so I started looking around for better seating options. I tried out different types of seating, and I ultimately settled on some really comfortable leather seating. It was amazing to see what a big difference it made after it was installed. This entire blog is all about updating your at-home theater and choosing better seating. This simple upgrade will make your home theater the talk of the town.

Choosing Theater Seating

With Micro-Budget or No Budget: How to Make Your Indie Film Rock

11 July 2016

Julie Reynolds

Every independent filmmaker's dream is to be featured at the Sundance Film Festival. You've been dreaming about it since you were in diapers, and now you have your chance. You don't have to have big bucks to translate a compelling story onto the big screen. Whether you have a micro-budget or no budget it at all, below are a few tips on how to get your indie film noticed at a film festival.

Start Small

Of course you have big dreams of writing, directing, and producing until you become the next John O'Hagan, but you have to start small. A short film is really your right of passage and the best way to learn from your mistakes. A short film is what truly separates the amateurs from the professionals. While you are creating a short film, not only are you learning about your equipment, lighting, and angles, you are also learning about yourself and your crew. You will make plenty of mistakes, and you can learn from them all.

While we're on the topic of starting small, you should remember to be realistic and set realistic goals. Instead of saying that you will be featured at the next big film festival, simply focus on finishing the film. It is great to dream big and set goals to achieve those dreams, but it is also important to remember that small goals are needed as stepping stones to achieve your big goals.

Invest in Actors

Yes, you may have a friend or two who took an acting class once in high school. That's great, but unless they can dominate the lines you have written, they won't help you much. Friends are cheap and relatively fun to work with, but you need people who can deliver lines, not just say them. The strength of your film and plot relies on how well your actors do. You don't have the money to invest in Hollywood-grade special effects, so your actors are going to have to pull through. For instance, you might have the next Slumdog Millionaire,but if your actors can't deliver their lines, no one is going to notice or care.

Believe it or not, there will be some local talent that is willing to play the roles for free. You have to look for these people. You have to seek them out. If you can't offer them monetary compensation right now, offer them food. You have to take care of your cast and crew as much as you can. Feed them, house them, and invite them over for get-togethers. Your cast and crew will work so much harder for you if you are working hard for them.

Now Is the Time to Beg

Oh, you're too proud to beg? Swallow it. Swallow that pride and hit the pavement. You are going to need to get investors in one way or another. Whether you need money for props, wardrobe, or food for your cast and crew, there are local businesses that might be willing to help you. Go into local dry cleaners, sandwich shops, and any other businesses that you can think of. You have to sell your idea to them.

People who can help you won't always be able to help with the money aspect of things. For instance, if you have a cousin who went to beauty school, ask them to help with your stage makeup. Have your cast wear clothes they already own. Have your friends from woodshop help make props for your set. There is always someone you can go to that has a tool you need. You have to be willing to pull every resource you have.

Don't let not having a budget for your film stop you from fulfilling a dream. There are always ways around whatever roadblocks are in your way. By using the tips listed above, you will be able to place your vision on the screen, and you won't have to spend much money to do it.